Diabetes Complications & Comorbidities 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is classified as a microvascular complication of diabetes?
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetic retinopathy (Correct answer)
- Stroke
Correct answer: Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to chronic hyperglycemia.
Question 2: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of which serious outcome in U.S. adults aged 20-74?
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- New cases of blindness (Correct answer)
Correct answer: New cases of blindness
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age adults in the United States.
Question 3: Which finding on a urine test is the earliest indicator of diabetic nephropathy?
- Macroalbuminuria
- Microalbuminuria (Correct answer)
- Hematuria
- Pyuria
Correct answer: Microalbuminuria
Microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/g of albumin in urine) is the earliest detectable sign of diabetic kidney disease before overt nephropathy develops.
Question 4: Which form of diabetic neuropathy is most common, typically presenting as 'stocking-glove' tingling and numbness?
- Distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Focal neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
Correct answer: Distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy
Distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy is the most prevalent form, causing sensory loss and pain in a stocking-glove distribution starting in the feet and hands.
Question 5: A patient with diabetes presents with gastroparesis, orthostatic hypotension, and erectile dysfunction. Which type of neuropathy best explains these symptoms?
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Focal neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
Correct answer: Autonomic neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy affects the involuntary nervous system, causing diverse symptoms including gastroparesis, orthostatic hypotension, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.
Question 6: At which stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) should most patients with diabetic nephropathy be referred to a nephrologist?
- Stage 1 (eGFR ≥90 mL/min)
- Stage 2 (eGFR 60-89 mL/min)
- Stage 3 (eGFR 30-59 mL/min)
- Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/min) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/min)
Referral to a nephrologist is generally recommended at CKD Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73m²) to begin planning for renal replacement therapy.
Question 7: According to ADA guidelines, how often should patients with diabetes and no evidence of retinopathy receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam?
- Every 6 months
- Annually
- Every 1-2 years (Correct answer)
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Every 1-2 years
The ADA recommends comprehensive dilated eye exams every 1-2 years for patients with well-controlled diabetes and no evidence of retinopathy.
Diabetes Complications & Comorbidities 1
Which of the following is classified as a microvascular complication of diabetes?